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Brussels Local Reference INFOrmation

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Pet Travel and Moving to Belgium with Animals

Information on the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), the European Pet Passport and travelling with your pet to or from Belgium. Information includes moving pets to or from the UK and Ireland, the USA and Canada and other EU and non-EU countries.

The EU regulations known as the EU Pet Passport have been in force since October 2004 and currently cover the movement of dogs, cats and ferrets only. Other animals are subject to national legislation.

The European Union Pet Passport (EU Pet Passport) allows for qualifying domestic animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) to freely cross borders in Europe
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) provides for qualifying domestic pets to travel to and from the UK and Ireland without undergoing quarantine

Some countries (Sweden, UK, Eire and Malta) impose additional conditions over and above those laid down by the EU before they allow animals into their country. Details are given below. Pet owners need to be aware of these regulations if they intend to travel within the EU or if their animal will cross into these countries en route to Belgium.

Entering Belgium with a Domestic Pet

An individual may bring up to five pets into Belgium.

Animals coming to Belgium from within the EU

Each EU country follows essentially the same system and will issue an EU Pet Passport for the animal in question in its country of residence (as long as this is within the EU). This passport contains certain obligatory information about the animal, such as its unique identification number and proof of valid vaccination against the rabies virus. Some countries also include other information such as other current vaccinations. The passport is valid throughout the life of the animal.

A vet in an EU country will only issue a passport when they have confirmed that the animal is identifiable by a micro-chip in the neck or a tattoo in the ear (tattoos will only be allowed until 2011 and are already refused in the UK, Eire and Malta) and that it has a valid vaccination against rabies and a blood test to prove that this vaccine is still effective.

No dog, cat or ferret will be permitted access to Belgium from another EU country without this Pet Passport.

Animals less than three months old coming from certain rabies-free EU countries are allowed into Belgium without their rabies vaccination provided that they have a declaration to say that they have lived in the same place since their birth and have not been in contact with any animals suspected of being infected with rabies.

UK citizens can find extensive details on the EU Pet Passport and the additional requirements for pets coming back to the UK temporarily or permanently from other EU countries on the DEFRA website

Animals coming to Belgium from outside the EU

Animals entering Belgium from outside the EU must be identifiable and accompanied by official documentation along the lines of the EU Pet Passport. Other requirements differ depending on the specific country of origin. In most cases the Belgian Embassy website in the country of origin can provide details of requirements.

The animal must have been vaccinated against rabies if it is coming from a country on the approved European list. The US, Canada and Australia are all on this list.

See the EUROPA Animal Health & Welfare website for a full list of EU-approved countries

Cats and dogs coming from an unlisted and therefore unapproved country will need an additional blood test at least 30 days after their rabies vaccination and three months before travelling. The test must be undertaken by an EU approved laboratory. Quarantine is not required on arrival in Belgium.

Similar requirements exist if an animal leaves Belgium temporarily for an unapproved country and then returns again.

If coming from a non-EU country but intending to remain and travel within the EU for a period of time it may be useful to have your pet (cat, dog or ferret) issued with an EU Pet Passport. Visit a vet in the new (EU) country of residence.

Identification

All dogs in Belgium must be identifiable and must be registered. The Belgian Association of Canine Identification and Registration (Association Belge d'Identification et d'Enregistrement Canins - ABIEC/Belgische vereniging voor Identificatie & Registratie van honden- BVIRH) allows many animals who go missing to be successfully reunited with their owners. It also allows owners to be traced where a dog has clearly been mistreated or abandoned.

Belgian Association of Canine Identification & Registration (ABIEC/BVIRH)
At: BP 168, 1060 Brussels
Tel: 07 022 24 45
Fax: 07 022 24 46
e-mail
Website

Cats and dogs must be micro-chipped (tattoos will only be accepted in Belgium until 2011). Certain more exotic animals (such as tortoises) which may be kept as pets also need to be marked in a way which does not wear off and the details must be changed if there is a change of ownership. Reptiles being kept as pets also need to be micro-chipped.

Birds need to have a ring attached to one leg which contains information allowing their identification.

Vaccination

The only compulsory vaccination in Belgium at this time is for rabies. This should be given to all cats, dogs and ferrets. Additional vaccinations may be required if the animal is going to leave Belgium at any time and travel elsewhere or if it is to be left at a kennel or cattery.

See AngloINFO INFOrmation page Essential Animal Information for Pets in Belgium for further details

Moving to Belgium with Other Animals

The regulations regarding bringing other animals in to Belgium are quite complex. In most cases owners will be asked to provide documents on identification and the general health of the animals, which must be prepared in the country of origin before departure.

Pet rabbits and rodents may move between EU countries without vaccination or quarantine. However, if coming from outside the EU, they must spend six months in quarantine.

Horses can be shipped internationally into Belgium, but depending on the country of origin may require a period of quarantine on arrival. Horses in the UK have a horse passport which travels with them and allows for identification, but not all countries operate such a scheme. Anyone wishing to import a horse into Belgium should consult the Belgium Embassy in their home country for latest regulations.

There are specialist companies who deal with the transportation of larger animals and it is best to consult them for latest routes available. They will also be aware of all the regulations relating to care of the animal during its journey.

Turtles, iguanas, lizards and similar reptiles may be imported into Belgium. In some cases it is quite straightforward, particularly if travelling with the pet. However, the rules depend on the exact breed as some will be subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Consult the CITES website or the Belgian Embassy in their home country for details.

Parrots (or similar species) may also be imported. One or two birds may be imported if they are part of the baggage of the passenger, who must travel on the same aircraft or ferry. For each bird, a health certificate must be issued and signed by the veterinary service in the country of origin not more than two months before the birds enter Belgium. This certificate should state that the birds are free from psittacosis, pullorum, and Newcastle disease, and have been submitted for inspection by the person carrying the birds as baggage.

Anyone planning to travel to Belgium with several animals at once should contact the Belgian Veterinary Services office in Brussels prior to travel.

SPF Santé publique, Sécurité de la Chaîne Alimentaire et de l'Environnement
DG Animaux Végétaux et Alimentation
At: Place Victor Horta 40 b.10, 1060 Brussels
Tel: 02 524 73 20
Fax: 02 524 73 29
e-mail

Moving pets between Belgium and the UK & Ireland

Dogs, cats and ferrets may travel between the UK & Ireland and Europe without quarantine, provided some (stringent) requirements are met. The system allowing travel is called the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).

DEFRA, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has comprehensive and up-to-date information on the website and can provide an information pack on request.

DEFRA website: Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
Pet Travel Scheme
Tel: +44 845 933 5577
e-mail
Open: Mondays to Fridays 08:00-18:00 UK time

Entering the UK or Ireland

Before entering Britain or Ireland (or Sweden or Malta) from Belgium or elsewhere in the EU, an animal must:

Have an anti-rabies booster vaccination (the pet must be vaccinated by a vet)
Have a blood test. A blood sample will be taken 30 days after the vaccination and will be sent to an approved laboratory to confirm the vaccination has been effective

If the sample tests correct, the vet will sign the certificate
If the sample tests negative, the vaccination and sampling process will be repeated until successful and there will be a six-month delay (see note below)

Between 24 and 48 hours before departure from Belgium the animal must be treated for ticks and tapeworm (echinococcosis). This treatment must be carried out by an authorised vet
Have microchip identification, a tattoo is not acceptable
Have a valid European Pet Passport completed with certificates and documentation of treatments

Note: A passport cannot be issued until six months after a satisfactory blood test. Once the vet has issued the pet's documentation and that six-month period has passed, the pet may enter the UK. The travel process is then much the same as above. The passport must be up to date and the rabies booster must be valid.

If the authorities are not satisfied with the animal on entry to the UK it may be held in quarantine until the relevant tests are passed.

Further information from:

Irish Department of Agriculture website
British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, DEFRA website
Directgov website

Further Travel and Returning Home

Travelling to other EU destinations with pets with Passports (cats, dogs and ferrets) is relatively straightforward. However, trips to non-EU destinations will mean additional cost and examination on re-entry to the EU as if the animals were entering the country for the first time.

Anyone planning to travel to the UK, Ireland, Sweden or Malta should consult the EU website for details of additional vaccinations and checks required for entry
Citizens returning to the USA should consult their Department of Agriculture

Pet Carriers and Travel Arrangements

A pet may cross several borders en route to its final destination and must be eligible to travel at all times. It must always be accompanied by the relevant paperwork.

The animal must travel in an approved container, which must be big enough for it to stand and sit in during the journey. There must be adequate ventilation and journey times must be kept to a minimum. If the journey is going to last longer than a few hours, food and drink may be necessary.

Ferry companies, trains and airlines will normally carry caged animals. Consult individual carriers for their conditions and cost of travel. Airlines will normally insist that animals are in the hold and ferry companies that they remain below deck (in the car) during the crossing. Where animals are travelling apart from their owners their cages will need to be marked according to the requirements of the airline for identification purposes. Euro Tunnel allows pets to travel in cars as long as they have the required documentation.

Animals must be transported by approved routes – for UK citizens consult the DEFRA website for details of ports and airports. Citizens entering Belgium from outside the UK should consult their own customs department or ministry of agriculture for information.

It may not be possible to travel with the animal in some cases and therefore an approved carrier may be required. Again details can be found on the DEFRA website for UK citizens.

US citizens can also consult an organisation called Dogsaway which also gives details of suitable routes for entry into Europe.

Guide Dogs

A guide dog must fulfil all the usual requirements regarding vaccination and identification before being allowed entry to Belgium.

There are estimated to be about 400 guide dog users in Belgium and as yet there are no specific regulations regarding access to public places. A national law is planned, however, which will clarify the situation. In most instances public buildings allow access. One exception is hospitals where the guide dog must be left in reception.

Public transport allows guide dogs to travel free of charge as long as the owner carries their disability card. Some taxi companies will carry guide dogs while others will not - ask at the time of booking. The tourist information office can provide details of dog friendly firms and make bookings.

Where food is served (hotels, restaurants) entry is largely dependent on the individual establishment. Again some supermarkets welcome guide dogs while others do not.

A person wishing to obtain a guide dog in Belgium will usually be able to do so free of charge. There are certified training schools. Ask at your town hall for information or contact Friends of the Blind in Belgium (Oeuvre Fédérale Les Amis Des Aveugles/Federaal Werk de Vrienden der Blinden).